City attorney reports Project Duke platting and Penob Point site plan; ODOT right-of-way review could affect timeline

City Attorney Bryce reported that Project Duke has submitted plats for its lots and associated roads and that the project will come before the planning commission and the council, likely at the first meeting in September. Bryce said he has been working with the project's attorney, Amy, and with a team member named Celeste to provide subdivision regulations and background material. He also said contractor or developer contacts have asked about the Black Bear Conservation District and other code questions. On a separate site, Penob Point has reached the site-plan stage. Bryce said Planning staff member Coe is reviewing whether there is sufficient Oklahoma Department of Transportation right-of-way available to allow the developer to shift the project footprint east, as some stakeholders have requested. "It would be nice to preserve some right of way on that side," Bryce said, but he added that shifting the project is more complicated than it sounds and could delay or change the project. Bryce told the council the development across the road represents a substantial investment: "it's a $5,000,000 project on the other side of the road, if not more." He said any change would require coordination with ODOT and could affect construction schedules and contract obligations for tenants and concessionaires. Bryce also reminded the council that the city has eminent domain authority and cited a recent Vann settlement where the city had to file a motion to compel to obtain recorded easements; those easements then arrived, completing that settlement step. He said staff prepared memos and background material on economic development and that a new downtown business prospect is under negotiation. Other planning items in Bryce's report included continued work on a proposed historic preservation (HP) district, an amended drainage ordinance incorporating Coe's amendments, and a revised chicken-and-duck ordinance. Bryce said those items may return to the council for formal consideration and a public hearing schedule. No formal action on Project Duke or Penob Point was taken at this meeting; Bryce said the planning commission will consider plat and site-plan items and report back to the council for any required approvals.